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Subject: [Cuba SI] Polls Shift, Ibero, Treasury, Trial, NNOC, RHC...
Content-Type: text/enriched; charset=US-ASCII
<x-rich>Special Coverage, Ibero-American Summit
OPENING SPEECH BY DR. FIDEL CASTRO RUZ, PRESIDENT OF THE
REPUBLIC OF
CUBA, AT THE 9th IBERO-AMERICAN SUMMIT.
HAVANA, NOVEMBER 16, 1999.
Your Majesty,
Excellencies,
Guests,
In July 1991, when the first Summit was held in Guadalajara, I could not
even imagine the further development of such event. I was a strange bird
there, an intruder whose life was pardoned by admission to that hall. Cuba
had always been left out of every meeting on this continent. Some looked
at me with curiosity and even pity. Hardly anyone believed that Cuba could
withstand the collapse of the socialist camp, which led to the double
blockade that would abruptly fall on our country.
We were accustomed to taking part in other kinds of summits such as those
of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, where radical pronouncements
were made; also with Heads of State or Governments of the Socialist
Countries, that never escaped the use of certain revolutionary and
anti-imperialist vocabulary. We were used to the idea that it would still
take a long time to have a united and integrated America. I wondered
what
I was doing at that Summit and what Spain and Portugal -- our former
colonial powers -- were doing there, as they were members of the European
Union and NATO.
However, I will never forget Mexico's gesture of inviting us there, as I
will forever be grateful to King Juan Carlos for his kind and respectful
manner and to other leaders present there in whom I felt sincere
solidarity toward the black sheep -- representing in that meeting a
rebellious and tenacious people -- that thirty years before had strayed
from the flock to pursue its own way and that in a matter of weeks or
months would be sent to the slaughterhouse. Still, the most significant
to me then was that Latin Americans were meeting for the first time
without being summoned by Washington. Why was that? Historians might
some day offer a reasonable explanation for the strange things that were
happening.
Only eight years have passed. At that time, no one mentioned
globalization; not even the specialized magazines on politics and
economics. The books still referred to the "Japanese miracle" and the
legendary and invulnerable "Asian tigers." Russia was entering the
fabulous stage of the purest democracy that the world ever knew, with a
rapid and unbridled growth fostered by the prescriptions of the
International Monetary Fund and Western economic wisdom.
Capitalism had discovered the philosopher's stone: uninterrupted
development without recession or crisis. It was the end of history.
When it was felt that the summit meetings were useless, no one objected
that Cuba would host the 9th Summit in 1999; Cuba would not even exist by
then. That was the basic reason for which it was not difficult to leave us
the task of organizing what was then little else than a utopia.
It was about that time that, in a very coordinated fashion, some pundits
and wise men among those who foretell the future, took to the impossible
mission of persuading Cuba that it should abandon the path of revolution
and socialism as the only possible alternative for survival. Advise came
from all directions, but we felt otherwise and were determined to
struggle.
As if Aristotle himself were our tutor, we listened politely to their
advise with the half-smile of a Mona Lisa and the Biblical patience of
Job.
History has taught us all a lesson. The importance of the Ibero-
American
Summits have grown tremendously. Many actions aimed at
integration have
been inspired, fostered and supported by them. Thousands of senior
officials and experts from our countries have met and strengthened
relations. The political leaders have come to know each other better
and
to have a clearer understanding of our respective countries' complex
problems.
We do not need to be summoned or receive anyone's permission to
meet like
a family without exclusions. Spain and Portugal have become sound
and
indispensable bridges with an increasingly united and integrated
Europe.
Relations with the Caribbean nations are developing and
strengthening as
well.
A few years ago, no one would have thought it viable to have a Summit
conference as was held in Rio de Janeiro with Caribbean, Latin
American
and European Community nations in attendance. In my view, the
efforts
undertaken at the Guadalajara Summit made it possible. Today,
there is
the opportunity to take up a united defense of our vital interests and to
negotiate together the crucial issues of our times. If we act separately,
we could be devoured -- but together, no one will be powerful enough
to
devour all of us.
New discrepancies and different conflicts arise between Latin
American
countries but none would resist the common will to resolve them.
Agreements on border conflicts, some of which date back for
centuries,
like those of Peru and Ecuador and between Argentina and Chile are
examples of this. The complex and difficult world coming upon us,
where
our countries' integrity and survival is at stake, can only be sustained
by our peoples joining closely together.
I wanted to be very sincere in recounting this story. In opening this 9th
Summit, I did not want to touch on our main subject matter, that is:
"Ibero-America and the international financial situation in a globalized
economy," proposed by Cuba in Oporto. At that time, some took it for
granted that at this point in 1999, there would not be any symptoms of
a
crisis. We rather leave it to you to open the debate on the central
issue.
As hosts of the 9th Summit, we have pursued some basic principles:
-This Summit is not Cuba's; above all, it is the Summit of the visiting
Heads of State and Government.
-It is our duty to create the best possible conditions for its
development.
-There shall be a minimum of official functions and a maximum of
work in
the limited time available.
-We shall avoid prominence.
-We shall elude any advantages as hosts.
-We shall place other countries' problems and interests above our
own.
-Everyone shall be accorded utmost consideration and respect,
regardless
of past or present differences.
-We shall work ceaselessly.
-Real success will come from making this a fruitful and productive
Summit.
The results of this conduct are tangible. There have been countless
meetings in our country prior to the Summit, with thousands of senior
officials and experts in attendance.
Every possible subject has been discussed. All documents have been
elaborated by consensus.
All the necessary facilities have been created. Every detail and every
interest expressed by the Heads of State and Government, their
efficient
advisors, assistants and staffs have been attended to and solved.
New subjects will be brought up. There will be contradictions and
debates. When the Heads of State and Government meet all by
ourselves in
the afternoon for lunch and afterwards, we shall advance towards the
solution of our differences. Our program will be flexible.
All the residences, meeting halls, the media room and other areas
related
to the Summit are nearby. Any flaws or errors can be attributed to our
inability but not to negligence or lack of concern. I thank you in
advance for your understanding and beg your forgiveness.
Cuba and its entire people are at your service.
Thank you very much.
***
DECLARATION OF HAVANA SIGNED BY IBERO-AMERICAN
HEADS OF STATE
TUESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 16, 1999
HAVANA, CUBA
The Declaration of Havana was signed by the heads of State and
governments
present in the Cuban capital for the 9th Ibero-American Summit. In the
document, leaders of Latin America, Spain and Portugal reiterated
their
commitment to abide by the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention,
self-determination, the peaceful settlement of conflicts and the right of
all peoples to build a political system of their own choice, in peace,
stability and justice.
The Declaration of Havana also reaffirms the governments' willingness to
pursue a fair and participatory system in international relations, based
on the principles advocated by the United Nations Charter, the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and other international accords.
Consequently, like in previous Summits, Ibero-American community leaders
once again voiced their rejection of unilateral sanctions,
extraterritorial and national laws that breach international principles
contrary to the spirit of cooperation and friendship that should prevail
among Ibero-American nations. Observers noted that besides the repeated
disapproval of the U.S. anti-Cuba Helms-Burton Law, the text of the
Declaration of Havana makes an implicit reference to the current dispute
between Chile and Spain regarding the extradition of former Chilean
dictator Augusto Pinochet.
Regarding the event's main subject, while the Declaration acknowledges the
opportunities and benefits that result from globalization in terms of
technologies, it points out that there are obstacles in the path towards
the reduction of economic and social inequalities, and deemed necessary
the adoption of measures to ease the situation of the poor in the region.
In a world where multilateralism, cooperation and the forging of alliances
is ever more increasing, the heads of State expressed in the Declaration
of Havana their willingness to consolidate the Ibero-American Summits as
an instrument of dialogue and political reconciliation, to face the
socio-economic-technological and environmental challenges of the 21st
century.
In the Declaration of Havana, the Ibero-American leaders expressed
their
satisfaction for the creation of the Ibero-American Secretariat on
Cooperation and gave formal approval to the organization that will be
headed by Mexican Jorge Alberto Lozoya, with its permanent
headquarters in
Madrid, Spain. The organization will provide a platform for a permanent
follow-up and greater control, and will become one of the most important
links in the ongoing work of Ibero-American Summits.
[c] 1999, Radio Habana Cuba
All rights reserved
************************************************************************
OPINION
Published Wednesday, November 17, 1999, in the Miami Herald
MAX CASTRO
Polls show shift: End Cuban embargo
Max J. Castro, Ph.D., is a senior research associate at the University of
Miami's
Dante B. Fascell North-South Center.
By now, the 40-year-old struggle between the United States, the Cuban
regime of
Fidel Castro and the exiles was supposed to be nearing the end game.
Alas,
lately the board is getting more crowded, the game more complex. New
players --
the Pope, a king, dissidents, American farmers -- have burst onto the
scene or
assumed larger roles. It's easy to get lost in the probabilities and
passions.
Looking past the headlines and wishful thinking, a few facts stand out.
For the first time, a majority of Americans clearly and consistently
disapprove of
the policy of economic embargo and political isolation that have been
the heart of
the U.S. approach toward Cuba for four decades.
Evidence of the shift in American public opinion is clear and consistent. As
of
September 1994, according to a CNN-Time poll, 51 percent of
Americans favored
maintaining the embargo and 39 percent wanted to end it. In the latest
Gallup Poll
conducted last May, 51 percent wanted to end the embargo vs. 42
percent who
believed it should stay in place. By 71 to 25 percent, Americans
favored restoring
diplomatic relations according to this latest poll.
The trend holds in those areas in which Cuban exile influence is
greatest and
there is the most negative information about the regime. In an April
1998 survey,
likely voters in Florida's 18th Congressional District (a seat now
occupied by
Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen) were asked whether the United
States
should continue the embargo or needs a new policy toward Cuba. White
non-Hispanic voters, by a margin of 55 to 38 percent, opted for a new
policy. The
results are consistent with the recent Herald-St. Petersburg Times
survey, which
showed 45 to 36 percent margin for ending the embargo among
Miami-Dade
County registered voters.
On the issue of Cuba policy, Cuban exiles have become isolated from
the
mainstream.
The majority of Cuban Americans have not shared in the general shift in
public
opinion. For example, among likely voters in the 18th Congressional
District in
1998, Cuban-American views were in striking contrast to those of white
non-Hispanics. By a margin of 70 to 26 percent, Cuban Americans
favored
keeping the embargo over a new policy.
As a result, to keep the embargo intact, hard-line Cuban-American
members of
Congress now must fight former allies, including conservative
Republicans,
business lobbies and farm organizations. The Cuban American National
Foundation once feted such powerful figures as President Ronald
Reagan and
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar. This week they chose to
honor Donald
Trump, a third-party candidate with minuscule poll numbers and huge
negatives, a
man whom many Americans consider a laughingstock. For good
measure, at the
Trump celebration CANF denounced their former friend Aznar, currently
in Havana
attending the Ibero-American Summit.
The Havana summit and Aznar's presence there is yet more evidence
that the
U.S. policy of isolating Cuba has failed. Instead, as last week's
overwhelming
U.N. vote against the embargo showed, the policy has
isolated the United States.
The summit also showed that the Cuban opposition exists and its
support is not
limited to the U.S. government and hard-line exiles.
By cracking down and railing against them by name, the Cuban
president
confirmed the existence of the dissidents and elevated their stature and
visibility,
which was magnified through numerous meetings between dissidents
and leaders
attending the summit.
Even the foreign minister of Mexico, a country that traditionally has had
close
relations with Havana, met with a dissident.
By their presence in Havana at the summit, Ibero-American nations are
telling the
U.S. government to change its policy. The actions and words of the
heads of
state convey a different message for the Cuban government:
Democracy can be
delayed, but not denied. These twin messages are unlikely to be
heeded instantly
by either side. But eventually they must be, for they express the
desires of
emerging majorities in Cuba and the United States that cannot be held
back
forever.
maxcastro at miami.edu
******************************************************************
TIME IS RUNNING OUT AND MORE LETTERS ARE NEEDED...PLEASE WRITE
ATLEAST ONE LETTER TODAY...
Dear friends:
I have just received this urgent ACTION REQUEST. I have phoned
IFCO/Pastors for Peace, who verified to me that they have endorsed
this
effort. It is official! It is urgent that letters be sent to the US
Treasury Dept. as the court case against IFCO/P4P to seize their
financial records is about to heard. The letters must arrive by Monday,
November 22. A sample letter is included. Please circulate this appeal
widely.
Paul Davidson (London)
Subject: ACTION REQUEST: Friends of the Friendshipment
Dear Friends,
WE NEED YOUR HELP IN THE NEXT 10 DAYS!
We are writing to you as "Friends of the Friendshipments," folks
across
the country and the world, who support the life-saving work of the
Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO) and
their many
wonderful projects, including the IFCO/Pastors for Peace caravans.
ACTION: As "friends of the Friendshipment," we ask you to send a
letter
to the Treasury Department supporting IFCO and requesting that they
cease
and desist in their ongoing harassment of IFCO (PLEASE SEE
BACKGROUND &
SAMPLE LETTER BELOW).
WHEN? NEXT 10 DAYS (arriving by 11/22/99): This is a critical
point in
the deliberations; we want to show the US administration that there is
strong, broad-based support for IFCO's position against the immoral
blockade of Cuba. So, we are asking you and other friends of IFCO to
send
as many letters as possible during the next 10 DAYS (arriving at the
Dept.
of Treasury by Monday 11/22/99) to show support for IFCO and their
life-saving work.
WHERE? Letters should be addressed to The Hon. James Johnson,
Deputy
Secretary for Enforcement, US Department of the Treasury, FAX:
202-622-5040, PHONE 202-622-1260,
WITH A COPY TO: R. RICHARD NEWCOMB, Director of Office of
Foreign Assets
Control, US Department of the Treasury, FAX: 202-622-1759,
PHONE:
202-622-2500.
BACKGROUND: As you already know, the US Treasury
Department's Office of
Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) made a demand for IFCO's bank
records last
October. IFCO has been in court since then fighting Treasury's
attempt to
violate the privacy of IFCO's supporters. Most recently, IFCO's
attorneys
filed hundred pages of affidavits and statements in Federal Court to
support IFCO's claim that OFAC's attempt to seize IFCO's bank
records is a
violation of the privacy rights and First Amendment rights (to
association, and political and religious expression) of IFCO's
associates.
This attempted seizure also violates international law (because the
embargo violates international law by depriving innocents of food and
medicine).
SUGGESTED POINTS FOR YOUR LETTER/SAMPLE LETTER:
The Hon. James Johnson
Deputy Secretary for Enforcement
US Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20220
Dear Mr. Johnson:
We are aware that your Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is
continuing in its attempt to demand bank records of the Interreligious
Foundation for Community Organization. We are supporters of
IFCO's work
AND we oppose the McCarthy-style tactics that OFAC used to
intimidate IFCO
and its supporters.
We support IFCO's efforts to protect the privacy of its donors, projects,
partners and friends. We further support IFCO's leadership in bringing
continued nonviolent challenges to the immoral US economic
blockade
against Cuba, a neighbor nation.
You must be aware that the world community is in consensus that our
nation's Cuba policy must change. There is ample evidence of this
global
consensus: The United Nations General Assembly has voted eight
years in a
row to condemn the US blockade; just this month, 155 member
nations voted
to condemn the blockade. In the US Congress, there are currently 160
House cosponsors for HR1644; the Senate also voted 70-28 in favor
of the
Ashcroft amendment to end all food and medicine sanctions. Mayors, city
council members, and now, even governors from across the United States
have visited Cuba and condemned the US blockade, especially its
restrictions on food and medicines. Even the US State Department says
that food and medicine sanctions are politically and economically
counterproductive and hurt innocent people.
IFCO has known this and acted upon it, before almost anybody else. Your
agency should be applauding their moral leadership instead of harassing
them and their partners.
We call upon the US Treasury Department to: stop its harassment of
IFCO,
drop the demand for bank records, and let IFCO be free to do its
life-saving, humanitarian work.
Sincerely,
REMEMBER: It's important that letters arrive this week and next, by
MONDAY 11/22/99. Thanks for your support!
---------------------------------------
Mr James Johnson
Deputy Secretary for Enforcement, OFAC
Washington, DC
FAX (202)622 1260
Honorable Mr Johnson,
As you may be acutely aware, for the past 40 years the United States
have unilaterally imposed on the people of Cuba, the most stringent
and
devastating embargo ever applied against any nation in the world.
The
longstanding negative health effects that this unjustifiable and
inhumane
acation may have on the lives of innocent victims, may never be
established.
It is for this reason, that Pastors For Peace, who have gathered
extensive first hand information about this tragic decision and its
macabre toll, decided that in the name of human dignity and religious
values, something had to be done to restore principles, faith and
righteousness, in this world that seem to have gone astray.
Apparently, you do not have a clue of what these honorable people do
for
others, and you are therefore concerned with bank files and donor
lists.
As it was in the past, this witch-hunt may effectively destroy this human
endeavor, that should serve as a vivid example of what our children
should
be and sadly, so many are not.
But whatever the outcome of this intimidation and repressive action,
the
children in Cuba who have received their books, the patients in health
institutions whose pain and suffering may have been mitigated, the
asthmatic outpatient that may have survived another year because of a
donated inhaler, the cancer patients that may have died with dignity
because of their pain killer, or those people of faith who received a
bible and are now spreading the word of God, or that glass of milk
provided to an infant, too hungry to fall asleep, they will remember who
Pastors For Peace are and what the stand for!
Authority and Power, should never be used to crush the weak!
Galileo,
Martin Luther, Darwin, Spartacus and thousands of others, were all
viewed
through similar prism and ostracized, only to become an integral part
of
human history. May we all be sure and proud of our daily actions!
Alberto N Jones, DVM-EH
==========================================
Defense paints Castro as villain in trial of accused assassins
By Chris Hawley
Associated Press Writer
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) -- Defense lawyers painted Fidel
Castro as the
villain Monday in opening arguments at the trial of six >>Cuban<<<<
exiles
accused of plotting to assassinate the communist leader.
"The only evidence of any murderer that you will hear about in this trial
is Fidel Castro himself," attorney Ricardo Pesquera told the jury in
federal court in San Juan. The defense said the men were on a
mission to
help potential >>Cuban<<<< defectors at a Latin American summit on
Margarita
island off Venezuela.
The defense denied charges that the suspects had plotted for years
to kill
Castro.
"Fidel Castro is an internationally protected person. You are not
asked to
like him or not like him -- that is not the charge," said Miguel Pereira,
a prosecutor. "You are here to judge facts, not history. History will
judge itself."
The best known defendant is Jose Antonio Llamas, director of the
influential Miami-based >>Cuban<<<< American National Foundation
that Castro
himself has accused of trying to kill him -- a charge the foundation
denies.
The FBI investigation of the group began after a Coast Guard cutter
stopped Llamas' yacht, La Esperanza, for a routine check off Puerto
Rico
on Oct. 27, 1997.
On Monday, Coast Guard Lt. Commander Brendan McPherson
testified that
officers found two .50-caliber sniper rifles, ammunition, night-vision
goggles, radios and satellite navigation equipment.
The men, who fled >>Cuba<<<<'s communist revolution and had
become
successful businessmen in Florida and New Jersey, first told the
Coast
Guard they were on a fishing trip from Miami.
After the weapons were discovered, Angel Manuel Alfonso, 59,
blurted out
that they planned to kill Castro at the Venezuela summit. His lawyer,
Pesquera, said Alfonso spoke only "for effect," frustrated that his
mission to save defectors had failed and indignant at being
considered a
criminal or gunrunner.
Pesquera gave grim details of Alfonso's 18 years as a political
prisoner
before he was allowed to leave >>Cuba<<<< in 1978 -- five of them in
solitary confinement, kept in a hole filled with human excrement, often
left naked and beaten until his limbs were broken.
The defense detailed the tight security around Castro, suggesting it
would
have been ridiculous for the defendants to think they could
assassinate
him.
The lawyers said the men needed the guns and other equipment to
protect
themselves from >>Cuban<<<< attack while trying to save >>Cubans<<<<
fleeing
their homeland.
Arrested on the boat with Alfonso, a textile company manager from
Union
City, N.J., were Miami businessmen Angel Hernandez Rojo, 66,
Francisco
Secundino Cordova, 52 and Juan Bautista Marquez, 63, who is ill with
cancer and is to be tried at a later date.
Indicted with them were Llamas, Miami lumber dealer Jose
Rodriguez, 60 and
Alfred Domingo Otero, 70.
**************************************************
NNOC Conference Committee
URGENT MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE PLANNING TO
ATTEND THE NNOC
CONFERENCE AND THE FRIDAY NIGHT SOLIDARITY EVENT.
The conference and solidarity event spaces are going fast! If you
want to
assure your reservation at this conference and the opening event of
Friday
night you will need to pre-register ASAP by following the instructions
on
the brochure. Please send $40.00 and make the check out to
National
Conference on Cuba, PO Box 39188, Redford, MI 48239. Also, the
special
rates for the room reservations at the Westin run out on November
22nd.
Send your money now and you will be assured of a place at this
historic
event!
THE NATIONAL NETWORK ON CUBA CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE
************************************************************
RADIO HAVANA CUBA'S VIEWPOINT
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1999
Spain's King Don Juan Carlos de Borbon is in Cuba attending the 9th
Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government. This is
the
first time a Spanish monarch visits the largest island of the Antilles
archipelago.
Cuban authorities have also extended a special invitation to the
Spanish
King and Queen to make an official visit to Cuba.
Bilateral relations between Spain and Cuba have experienced rapid
growth
in the last several years, to the point that Spain has become Cuba's
principal trading partner.
It's worth recalling that Latin America absorbs nearly seven percent of
Spain's exports, although generating just four percent of the nation's
imports.
Spain currently has investments in Cuba worth 200 million dollars and
participates in 72 of the 360 mixed enterprises with foreign capital set
up on the Caribbean island over the last years.
Most of the Spanish investments are in the tourism sector which has
experienced significant growth, becoming Cuba's most important
earner of
hard currency.
Although many Spanish investors are doing business in Cuba and
new joint
projects are expected to yield profitable results in the near future, new
difficulties are about to emerge, from the aggressive actions of the
U.S.
government in line with Washington's nearly 40-year genocidal
blockade
against Cuba.
Several Spanish and Canadian companies have already been
threatened with
the imposition of sanctions if they continue to defy Washington's
extraterritorial Helms-Burton Law, aimed at tightening the blockade by
punishing third countries doing business with Cuba.
The Spanish and Canadian business community have made it clear
that they
will not yield to Washington's pressures.
Washington's Cuba policy has been strongly rejected by the
international
community. Irrefutable evidence of this is the eighth consecutive vote
at
the United Nations General Assembly, with an ever-increasing
number of
countries voting in favor of a Cuban resolution against the blockade.
The celebration in Cuba of the 9th Ibero-American Summit of Heads
of
State and Government, with the presence of Spanish and Portuguese
officials of the highest level, is further confirmation of the spirit of
cooperation and concerted action within the Ibero-American
Community.
HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENTS OF IBERO-AMERICA
SIGN DECLARATION OF HAVANA
Havana, November 16(RHC)-- The heads of State and governments
of
Latin America, Spain and Portugal signed the Declaration of Havana -
- the
final document of the 9th Ibero-American Summit --concluding the
important
two-day meeting in the Cuban capital Tuesday evening.
The closing session of the 9th Ibero-American Summit was
addressed by
Cuban President Fidel Castro and the presidents of Ecuador, Mexico,
Surinam, Spain and Panama -- Jamil Mahuad, Ernesto Zedillo, Jules
Wijdenbosch, Jose Maria Asnar and Mireya Moscoso, respectively.
The speakers unanimously praised the organization of the Summit
and the
words cooperation, friendship, unity, democracy and hope were
repeated by
the leaders during the closing session. Cuban President Fidel Castro
called the Havana gathering "productive and fruitful," contributing to
the
consolidation of friendly relations between all countries. The leader of
the Cuban Revolution noted the positive changes that the Summits
have
brought about in the community of Ibero-American nations.
All heads of State, foreign ministers who came on behalf of absent
leaders and representives of international institutions related to
the main subject of the meeting had the opportunity to voice their
views in discussions that the Cuban president described as "frank and
profound." Fidel Castro said that "all of us came out as friends at the
end of the working-sessions."
During the closing ceremony of the 9th Summit, the late Ecuadorian
painter Oswaldo Guayasamin was named "The Painter of Ibero-
America."
Among the points included in the Declaration of Havana -- signed
along with eight other special documents -- is the establishment of a
Secretariat of Ibero-American Cooperation, with offices in Madrid,
Spain.
The Ibero-American leaders agreed to adopt a global and regional
strategy
to confront the economic inequalities produced by globalization and
strongly rejected the application of unilateral and extraterritorial laws
or measures that violate international law.
Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso addressed the heads of
State and
governments, announcing that the next Ibero-American Summit, which
will be
held in her country, will focus on children and youth.
The 9th Ibero-American Summit... concluding this evening here in the
Cuban
capital.
CUBAN PRESIDENT FIDEL CASTRO TELLS IBERO-AMERICAN
COLLEGUES THAT HE
POLITELY LISTENS TO THEIR ADVICE TO ABANDON SOCIALISM
BUT WITH THE SMILE
OF MONA LISA AND THE BIBLICAL PATIENCE OF JOB
Havana, November 16(RHC)-- During the formal inauguration of the
9th
Ibero-American Summit in the Cuban capital Tuesday morning,
President
Fidel Castro told his Ibero-American colleagues that he politely listens
to their advice to abandon socialism, but "with the smile of Mona Lisa
and
the Biblical patience of Job."
In a 15-minute speech, the Cuban leader stated that Cuba was
granted the
site of the 9th gathering because no one believed that the island's
socio-economic system would exist today.
He said that during the first Summit in 1991 in Guadalajara, Mexico,
he
was a type of rare species, an intruder whose life was pardoned by
allowing his participation. Fidel Castro said at that time, Cuba had
been
excluded from all gatherings in the Americas, that many looked at him
with
curiosity and even with pity, and that all doubted that his country could
resist the collapse of the socialist camp.
He said he was looked upon like the black sheep that represented a
rebellious and tenacious people who for 30 years had separated
themselves
from the herd to search for their own path, but who were condemned
to the
slaughter house in a matter of weeks, or at best, months.
The Cuban leader, nevertheless, praised that first gathering of Latin
Americans that hadn't been convened by Washington. Cuban
President Fidel
Castro said that in 1991, no one mentioned the word globalization,
everyone was talking about the Japanese miracle and the Asian
Tigers, and
Russia was entering into the fabulous stage of the purest democracy
that
would allow that nation rapid and limitless economic growth thanks to
the
policies of the International Monetary Fund and the economic wisdom
of the
West.
The Cuban leader said capitalism had discovered the key to power
and
riches -- uninterrupted growth without recessions or crises. He added,
with sarcasm, that it was the end of history.
It was during those days, said President Castro, that both foolish and
wise people advised Cuba to abandon socialism as the only
alternative for
possible salvation. But, he said, Cuba decided to struggle, and
history
has taught us all a lesson.
SPANISH PRESIDENT PRAISES SUCCESS OF IBERO-
AMERICAN SUMMIT
Havana, November 16(RHC)--The President of Spain, Jose Maria
Aznar, has
praised the success of the Ibero-American Summit. During a news
conference at Havana's PALCO Hotel, Aznar described the event as
successful from all points of view and praised the atmosphere of
consensus
that prevailed among delegations during the negotiations of the final
documents. Spain, he added, has a profound political confidence in
the
gatherings and is committed to contribute to future summits.
The news conference subjects ranged from the Spanish King and
Aznar's
visit to Cuba, Spain's international cooperation and extraterritoriality
in relations among nations included in the Final Declaration. Aznar
also
reiterated Madrid's rejection of the Helms-Burton Law and the U.S.
blockade against Cuba.
In terms of the meetings he's held with opponents of the Cuban
government
in Havana, he noted that everywhere he goes he tries to get different
perspectives on the realities of the places he visits, but declined to
comment why he only chose to talk with so-called dissidents, while
refusing to meet with other members of the island's civil society.
Aznar described Havana as a "marvelous city" and expressed his
hopes to
return to the Cuban capital in the future.
PRESIDENT OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC DELIVERS
LECTURE AT UNIVERSITY OF
HAVANA
Havana, November 16(RHC)-- Dominican President Leonel
Fernandez gave a
lecture on Monday in the University of Havana's Master Lecture Hall.
The
Dominican leader spoke about globalization and development,
saying that
human beings must be prioritized.
President Fernandez told the gathered dignitaries and students that
the
greatest challenge of the 21st century is to find creativity and
intelligence "in our own countries, with our own experiences -- which
will
permit us to prioritize humanity as our main concern."
Fernandez congratulated Cuba on its training of the island's young
people
for present and future challenges.
Earlier in the day, the President of the Dominican Republic placed a
floral wreath at the base of a statue of Cuban-Dominican
independence
leader Maximo Gomez.
DECLARATION APPROVED BY IBERO-AMERICAN
JOURNALISTS IS PRESENTED TO 9TH
IBERO-AMERICAN SUMMIT HEADS OF STATE AND
GOVERNMENT
Havana, November 16(RHC)-- A declaration approved by some 50
Ibero-American journalists was presented on Tuesday to the region's
leaders who are participating in the 9th Ibero-American Summit.
During the debates, Ibero-American journalists discussed their role in
facing the challenges of technological transformations and the growing
deterioration of the region's quality of life.
Delegates read a message sent by Nobel Peace Prize laureate,
Argentine
Adolfo Perez Esquivel, who stressed that it is the responsibility of
journalists to confront globalization.
HAVANA'S ARCHBISHOP MEETS WITH BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT
Havana, November 16(RHC)-- Havana's Archbishop, Cardinal Jaime
Ortega, met
on Monday in the Cuban capital with Brazilian President Fernando
Henrique
Cardoso.
The Cuban religious leader also met with Spanish King Juan Carlos in
Spain's embassy in Havana.
On Monday, Cardinal Jaime Ortega and the President of Cuba's
Bishops
Conference, Monsignor Adolfo Rodriguez, participated in the official
inauguration ceremony of the Latin American School of Medicine,
where some
two thousand Latin American young people are studying free-of-
charge.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian press reported on the statements made by
President Fernando Henrique Cardoso in Havana, condemning
Washington's
nearly 40-year blockade against Cuba.
PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATION OF CUBAN WOMEN EXPRESSES SATISFACTION WITH
DISCUSSIONS ON CHILDREN AND WOMEN AT IBERO-AMERICAN SUMMITS
Havana, November 16(RHC)-- The President of the Federation of Cuban Women,
Vilma Espin, stated that she is satisfied that the issue of children and
women has been included on the agendas of the Ibero-American Summits.
The Cuban official recalled that at previous Ibero-American Summits, the
problems of children in a globalized world have been discussed, especially
in Latin America.
OPENING ARGUMENTS BEGIN IN U.S. FEDERAL COURT AGAINST SEVEN
CUBAN-AMERICANS ACCUSED OF PLOTTING TO ASSASSINATE CUBAN PRESIDENT FIDEL
CASTRO
Havana, November 16(RHC)-- Opening arguments got underway Monday in a U.S.
federal [court] in Puerto Rico against seven Cuban-Americans accused of
plotting to assassinate Cuban President Fidel Castro two years ago. Last
Friday, Puerto Rican attorneys selected a 12-member jury.
The defense had requested last week that one of the seven, Angel Manuel
Alfonso, be tried separately because of his declaration to federal
authorities admitting he intended to kill the Cuban leader. But U.S.
District Judge Hector Laffitte denied the motion on Friday.
On October 27, 1997, four of the defendants were taken into custody aboard
a cabin cruiser off Puerto Rico's West Coast en route to Venezuela's
Margarita Island, where Fidel Castro was to attend the 7th Ibero-American
Summit.
In the cabin cruiser, the U.S. Coast Guard found a cache of high-powered
sniper rifles, night-vision goggles and other military equipment.
A subsequent indictment named three others in the plot, including Jose
Antonio Llama, 67, the owner of the boat and an executive board member of
Miami's ultra-right wing Cuban-American National Foundation. The defense
attorneys of six of the seven claimed Monday that they were heading to
Margarita Island to rescue any eventual deserters among the Cuban
delegation participating in the Summit and that the weapons were necessary
to protect themselves.
But Judge Hector Lafitte ordered the jury to disregard any statements of a
political nature. He told members of the jury that they are not being
asked whether or not they like Fidel Castro, and should only consider the
facts.
A seventh defendant, Francisco Secundino Cordova -- also with close
ties
to the Cuban-American National Foundation -- is not present at court
proceedings apparently due to failing health. Secundino and his son
were
arrested earlier this year and charged with drug-trafficking.
The defendants and ultra-right wing sectors in Miami that are irritated
with the trial proceedings have denounced the U.S. government for
trying
the seven middle-aged or elderly men for plotting to kill Fidel Castro
when Washington has repeatedly tried to do the same thing. Judge Laffitte
said the trial could last several months.
[c] 1999, Radio Habana Cuba
All rights reserved
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